NUPENG denies shutdown of fuel outlets, oil installations for #ENDSARS protests

… as FG reopens Marine Beach, Eko Bridges Monday .

Chinazor Megbolu |

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has clarified that the group never ordered the shutting down of fuel stations or oil installations due to the #ENDSARS protests.

The NUPENG executives in a statement signed by the NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Eniredonana Akporeha and the General Secretary, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, obtained on Saturday said they never said so despite its support for the ongoing nationwide protests tagged; #ENDSARS.

The oil and gas union maintained that none of its organs was mandated to shut down fuel outlets or oil installations.

“NUPENG stands with Nigerian youths against Police brutality and calls for immediate and far-reaching Police reforms as our members are also victims of Police brutality and abuses through extortions, detention, harassment and intimidation nationwide.

“Meanwhile, no organ of our Union has ordered shutting down of fuel stations or oil installations.

“We sincerely empathise with all victims of police brutality including our members across the country and we peacefully join all well-meaning Nigerians to say police brutality must stop!

“Long live the Federal Republic Of Nigeria!” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Marine Beach and the Eko Bridges in Lagos State on Monday October 19, 2020.

Recall the government shut down the Eko and the Marine Beach Bridges in March and May, 2020 for repairs.

However, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Publicity, Mr. Boade Akinola, at the weekend, directed that both bridges be reopened to traffic on Monday.